Our Additional Programs
At MMS, we know life doesn't operate on school hours just as we know learning doesn't end at the end of the school day.
That's why we offer programs to support families and to give children opportunities to continue their learning before and after school.
We also support families in the Junior High as they look towards high school. At MMS, we're dedicated to supporting students and their families for the long haul.
In This Section
Additional School Care (ASC)
Additional School Care (ASC) follows basic Montessori principles in terms of encouraging children to help and teach one another, to follow projects through to completion, to create their own activities, and to care for their environment.
With some restrictions, parents can choose to have their children participate in ASC through Full-year Package ASC, Reserved ASC, or Drop-in ASC. Check out the details below.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Details
Morning ASC:
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Toddler: Registration took place during enrollment and is now closed.
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Primary: Primary children who would like to attend ASC in the morning must sign up through the Full-Year Package ASC program.
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Elementary: There is no charge or preregistration required. Students may be dropped off at the Primary Gate starting at 7:30. All students will go to the Hummingbird classroom until it is time to join their class.
Afternoon ASC:
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Toddler: There is no afternoon ASC offered for Toddler.
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Primary/Elementary: Reserved two weeks in advance and drop-in (please see drop-in instructions below).
Afternoon Drop-In Care Instructions:
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Sign up by 2:00 pm for Primary and 2:15 for Elementary on the day the care is needed through the Extended Care tab of the Parent Portal.
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Children who are registered by the deadlines will be accommodated for that day if at all possible.
Afternoon ASC Pick-Up Instructions:
All families will be required to enter campus through the Primary Gate, using the four digit pin code provided by the Office. Please call (415) 924-5388 for details. The Office closes by 4:00 pm on most days. If you need to contact ASC personnel after the office closes, please email Taz Pesso for Primary and Matt Stratton for Elementary.
Money Matters
For 2022-2023
Full-Year Package ASC
If you need daily childcare before school (Toddler and Primary) and/or after school until 6:00 p.m. (Primary and Elementary) for the entire school year, you will benefit from electing Full-Year Package ASC when you sign your Enrollment Agreement. The annual fee for Before School Care is $1,900 for Toddlers and Primary. There is no fee for Elementary. After School Care is $6,200 per student for both Primary and Elementary.
Reserved ASC
The Reserved ASC program allows families to reserve space at least two weeks in advance for the specific days and times that you need. The fee is $16 an hour. If a reservation is not canceled at least two weeks in advance or if a child no shows, there will be a $48 fee.
Note: Children who are registered in this way will be guaranteed space on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sign-Up for Reserved ASC:
Spaces in Reserved ASC must be reserved at least two weeks in advance through the Extended Care tab of the Parent Portal. If you do not sign up in the Parent Portal at least two weeks in advance, Drop-In ASC will be your only option.
Drop-In ASC
We are pleased to be able to offer a Drop-In option for the ASC program ($20 an hour in ½ hour increments) for those Primary and Elementary families who need occasional care. Same day sign ups must happen by 2:00 pm for Primary and 2:15 pm for Elementary. Space is limited.
Note: Drop-In for Morning ASC is not available for Toddler and Primary students. Primary children who would like to attend ASC in the morning must sign up through the Full-Year Package ASC program.
Cancellation Policy for Drop-In
To cancel a session, use the Parent Portal and click on the Extended Care tab.
You must cancel by 2:00 pm for Primary and 2:15 pm for Elementary or we'll have to charge a $60 cancellation fee. Please note that the Office and Registrar are unable to make cancellations after these deadline times. Please call Matt Stratton in ASC (415-924-5388, #6) for assistance.
Details about Primary ASC
The afternoon ASC program for Full-Day Primary children starts after school and ends at 6:00 pm in the Song Sparrow classroom. Our Primary ASC program echoes the Montessori day while allowing for different kinds of activities that families would typically do at home together after a long day at school. ASC is a play-based activity time. When children arrive, they will have the opportunity to enjoy and explore a wide variety of manipulative toys, crafts, games, books, musical instruments and outdoor play on the grassy area and play structure.
They also have the opportunity to enjoy healthy light snacks such as rice cakes, sun butter, apples and carrots.
In ASC, we continue to practice Montessori grace and courtesy skills. Our program builds the skills to help students respectfully interact with each other and our materials. When students are finished with an activity, they will put it away neatly so it is ready for the next person before moving on to a new activity. When finished snacking, students will wash their dishes before returning to play.
When parents arrive for pick up, please use the drop off area gate. You will use the parent code that allows access during the ASC hours and go directly to the Song Sparrow classroom to sign out and wait for your child. Please expect to wait a few minutes allowing time for your child to independently wrap up and put away their activity. We teach our students that ASC is closed for them, and it is time to promptly clean up when their grown ups arrive. Please note that the play structure is also closed for them supporting smooth departures.
Afternoon Primary ASC will be headed up by Taz Pesso who brings years of experience and boundless joy to this work.
Details about Elementary ASC
ASC is available for Elementary students before school from 7:30 a.m. to the start of class and after school from 3:15 – 6:00 p.m. For Morning ASC, Elementary students go to the Hummingbird classroom. Elementary students who need care prior to school may drop in on the morning that care is needed (there is no charge and no pre-registration is required).
The home base for the afternoon ASC program for Elementary children is also the Hummingbird classroom. The students are offered a variety of games, arts and crafts, cooking projects, and other activities (both indoor and out).
Snack will be prepared by the children and served around 4:00 each day.
Afternoon Elementary ASC will be headed up by Matt Stratton and supported by Samuel Ruff. Having completed his M.Ed. and AMI diploma, Matt will bring extensive Montessori experience into the program. We are excited to welcome Samuel to the MMS community, who will be assisting Matt and has already impressed us with his exuberance and compassion.
The Elementary ASC environment has been carefully prepared to become a joyful extension of the workday where elementary children from all four classrooms can come together to collaborate and connect with one another. Blending outdoor and indoor play, elementary ASC will be full of cooking, games, art, and science. It's a place where children can continue to build a practice society and further develop relationships across classrooms.
Bayside Afternoon Classes (BAC)
Each semester, we offer Bayside Afternoon Classes for Primary (4 years-old and older) and Elementary students.
Registration for Fall 2023 classes opens on Monday, August 28 at 6:00 pm. Be sure to register for each class separately.
How To Register
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Log into your Parent Portal.
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Go to the “Extended Care” tab.
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In the “Participants” sub-tab, select your child's name for the correct BAC session and click "View Signups."
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On the next page, make your BAC selection(s).
How to Opt Out or Cancel a BAC Session
- Log into your Parent Portal.
- Go to the “Extended Care” tab.
- In the “Participants” sub-tab, select your child's name for the correct BAC session and click "View Signups."
- On the next page in the Session Calendar, click on the day(s) you wish to cancel and select “Opt Out.”
Fall 2023 Options
Primary
Red Tail Fox with Deans Keppel| For Primary children 4-6 years old
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Tuesdays, 3:00-4:30 pm (Note the extended session time)
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8 sessions: September 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7
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Class minimum/maximum: 4/6
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Registration: $425
A red tail fox is intelligent and aware as he makes his way through the forest. As children adventure with Deans, they learn the lessons of Fox: to pay attention, to be surefooted and self-reliant, and to work and play harmoniously with others. In Red Tail Fox, we explore the marsh, hunt for crabs, learn about wildlife and make art from nature, play games, and listen to stories in our tree fort. Inspired by true stories about Native Americans, children will gain a greater understanding of their sacred place as caretakers of our beautiful Mother Earth. Children should wear sneakers, boots, and hats for the sun. No scented sunscreen, please.
Deans "Bright Eyes" Keppel is an artist, storyteller, and naturalist. Her mission is to inspire children to love the earth and care about each other. She has a Master's Degree in Fine Arts and was designated a Master Teacher by the Bay Area Discovery Museum. She has received numerous grants from the Marin Arts Council to work in public schools, and she has been teaching at MCDS since 2005 and at Marin Montessori since 1991.
Soccer with Joey Heusler | For Primary children 4-6 years old
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Thursdays, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
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8 sessions: September 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 9, 16 (No class on November 2nd due to parent teacher conferences)
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Class minimum/maximum: 4/12
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Registration: $300
This lively after-school class will give your child the opportunity to learn soccer skills in a fun-loving, non-threatening environment. The main objectives of this class are to have fun, build confidence, and teach ball skills in a playful and child-oriented way. Games like "Catch the Coach," "Kick the Cone," and "Steal the Bacon" entice the children to kick and dribble the ball without getting too intimidated by the task. Cooperation and the joy of working with the ball and playing games with friends are always emphasized over competition, and there is no winning or losing in this class!
Joey Heusler has been teaching and coaching children and youth in physical education and personal fitness for 20+ years. She led the Primary movement program at MMS and a physical education program for older Primary students for five years. Joey grew up playing soccer in Germany and has had a life-long passion and love for the sport. If you have questions regarding the class, you may contact Joey at joeyloveswhales@gmail.com.
Outdoor Adventures with Kathy Winkler | For Primary children 4-6 years old
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Wednesdays, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
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8 sessions: September 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8
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Class minimum/maximum: 6/12
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Registration: $300
This outdoor class invites children to explore their surroundings using multiple types of sensory input. We will start each afternoon exploring the natural environments around campus, whether it be in the marsh or on Ring Mountain, collecting and discussing natural treasures along the way.
Children have the opportunity to spend relaxed time in nature and connect with our incredible surroundings, tuning in with many of our senses, listening, feeling, smelling, and looking. A small snack will be provided each day before we head out, but feel free to send a snack with your child if preferred. Please pack a hat, water bottle, and walking attire that may get dirty.
Kathy Winkler has been teaching young children for 20+ years. She is currently the Primary Movement Specialist at MMS and taught Kindergarten for 16 years prior. She earned her BA at UC Davis in Economics and received her Multiple Subjects Credential from UOP. She is active in many outdoor pursuits engaging the body including trail running, ocean swimming, paddle boarding, and yoga. If you have questions regarding the class, you may contact Kathy at kwinkler@marinmontessori.org.
Primary Spanish with Adriana Romo |FOr Primary children 4-6 years old
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Wednesdays and Fridays, 3:00-4:00 pm
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16 sessions: September 20, 22, 27, 29, October 4,6, 11, 13, 18, 25, November 1, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15 (No class on October, 20, 27, November 3 During Conferences)
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Classes on November 6, 13 on Mondays As Make Up for Parent Teacher Conference Weeks
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Class minimum/maximum: 4/12
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Registration: $500
The after-school Spanish program will focus on co-curricular lessons, use fun oral activities for conversation practice, task-based instruction, and prioritization of Spanish reading material. The class will consist of a greeting circle followed by a story and lesson. The children will be introduced to developmentally appropriate lessons, songs, and projects. The program will provide opportunities for the children to experience authentic food, music, and Spanish tradition. The goal of the program is to provide exposure and create a love of learning Spanish and its colorful culture.
Adriana Romo has eight years of early childhood education experience. Having completed her degree in Early Childhood Education from Diablo Valley College, she is certified through the North American Montessori Center. She found her passion for literacy when she had the tremendous opportunity to partake in a program that utilized Ballet Folkórico--a traditional Mexican cultural dance--to teach Spanish. Adriana has continuously provided Spanish curriculum for four years in a Montessori setting and hopes her experience and enthusiasm will excite the children as they learn Spanish in joyful and engaging ways. If you have questions regarding the class, you may contact Adriana at aromo@marinmontessori.org.
Elementary
Lower Elementary Spanish with Adriana Romo | For Elementary Children (1st-3RD Year)
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Twice each week - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30-4:30 pm
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16 sessions: September 19, 21, 26, 28, October 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31, November 7, 9, 14 (No class on November 2 due to parent teacher conferences)
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Class minimum/maximum: 4/12
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Registration: $500
Our Lower Elementary after-school Spanish program will incorporate the use of high-frequency words and phrases taught using question-driven instruction with varying resources/materials, authentic texts, communicative tasks that facilitate target language use, and interactive activities differentiated for all students' needs. The class structure will consist of greetings, story/discussion, lesson and followed by level-appropriate projects/crafts, cooking, or songs. The goal of the Spanish program is to create an exciting extension and build on language proficiency in which the children experience Spanish culture through their senses.
Adriana Romo has eight years of early childhood education experience, completed her degree in Early Childhood Education from Diablo Valley College, she is certified through the North American Montessori Center. She found her passion for literacy when she had the tremendous opportunity to partake in a program that utilized Ballet Folkórico--a traditional Mexican cultural dance--to teach Spanish. Adriana has continuously provided Spanish curriculum for four years in a Montessori setting and hopes her experience and enthusiasm will excite the children as they learn Spanish in joyful and engaging ways. If you have questions regarding the class, you may contact Adriana at aromo@marinmontessori.org.
Upper Elementary Spanish with Paula Reyes | For Elementary Children (4th-6th Year)
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Twice each week - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
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16 sessions: September 19, 21, 26, 28, October 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31, November 7, 9, 14 (No class on November 2 due to parent teacher conferences)
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Class minimum/maximum: 4/12
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Registration: $500
Our Upper Elementary after-school Spanish language program is designed to enrich our Spanish culture curriculum as well as boost a student's Spanish-speaking skills. The program’s structure involves a brief story, song, or lesson, followed by level-appropriate games, performances, and crafts. We will be covering everything from Latin America to Spain in the world of food, music, dance, and art. The ultimate goal of the program is to provide an engaging and fun extension of your child's Spanish curriculum through creative exploration of culture and language.
In addition to several years of experience teaching Spanish in Montessori classrooms, Paula has taught literature, creative writing, and media studies to high school students in Malaysia at Taylor's College in Kuala Lumpur. Her career also includes time running experiential, outdoor education programs in Canada. Paula earned her Bachelor's degree in education from Trent University, Peterborough, Canada. She earned her Master's degree in education from York University, Ontario, Canada. Paula is also trained as an Orton-Gillingham reading instructor. If you have questions regarding the class, you may contact Paula at preyes@marinmontessori.org
Culinary Skills with Adeline Shrout |For Elementary Children (1st-6th Year)
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Wednesdays, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
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8 sessions: September 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8
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Class minimum/maximum: 4/12
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Registration: $300
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Materials fee: $20
Ignite your child's passion for culinary exploration with our Elementary Culinary Skills Class! Led by our talented and experienced, Adeline Shrout Fray this hands-on culinary journey is specially designed to introduce young food enthusiasts to the art of cooking. Through a delightful blend of interactive lessons, fun-filled kitchen experiments, and creative recipe adventures, children will embark on a flavorful voyage that nurtures their culinary curiosity and fosters essential kitchen skills.
In this engaging class, children will get to experience the art behind what makes cooking enticing. From the basics on how to properly use a knife while cutting certain foods, to being playful and tossing the measuring tools to the side and just using our own sense of taste to season accordingly. Chef Adeline's patient guidance ensures that each aspiring young chef not only gains valuable cooking techniques but also develops a deeper appreciation for fresh ingredients and the artistry of the kitchen.
Lacrosse Skills with Amy McCleary| For Elementary Children (1st-6th Year)
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Tuesdays, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
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8 sessions: September 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7
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Class minimum/maximum: 10/16
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Registration: $375
Come play the fastest game on two feet! Lacrosse with Coach Amy is open to all elementary-aged children, offering a fantastic opportunity to learn the FUNdamentals of lacrosse in a fun, creative, supportive and engaging environment. Coach Amy's expertise and passion ensure an enriching experience for every child. From complete beginners to those with some lacrosse know-how, everyone will build confidence and skills while having a blast!
Led by the renowned Coach Amy McCleary, Founder & Owner of STICK WITH IT! Lacrosse, three-time World Cup coach and Hall of Fame inductee. This program covers cradling, groundballs, catching, throwing, and shooting through dynamic drills, interactive games, and friendly small-sided situations. Join us for Lacrosse and watch your child thrive on the field! For Inquiries reach out to Amy McCleary at coachamymccleary@stickwithit.com
To learn more visit https://www.stickwithit.com